George Jones Reports
The Valley will host its academy day on Saturday afternoon when Charlton take on Bury in SE7 (3pm).
The day, an annual event, will see the club celebrate its esteemed youth system, which has produced so many talented players down the years.
Four graduates of the academy have made their first-team bows this season, while long-serving vice-captain Chris Solly made his 200th Charlton appearance in 2016/17, having been with the club since the age of 11.
Saturday also sees our Football For A Fiver ticket promotion return. All seats inside The Valley are priced at just £5 and they remain on sale.
They can be purchased by visiting The Valley in person, by calling 03330 14 44 44 or by going online. Please click here to visit our tickets website.
The Addicks will hope to record a much-needed three points on the day and, below, you can get ahead of the game by reading up on team news, the officials and more…
Ezri Konsa could be available for Charlton after missing Tuesday night’s game against Oxford United with a hamstring injury.
Adam Chicksen is a doubt with a knee problem but Fredrik Ulvestad is edging closer to fitness, following a thigh injury. Jason Pearce, Harry Lennon, Roger Johnson and Ahmed Kashi remain sidelined.
Chris Solly begins a three-match ban.
For Bury, James Vaughan and Danny Mayor could both return having had back and stomach problems respectively.
Craig Jones is out with a thigh injury, Nathan Cameron has a knee problem and Zeli Ismail has a groin injury. The trio are all unavailable.
Charlton and Bury have faced each other 35 times in the past, with the Addicks coming out on top on 11 occasions. Bury have won 15 times while there have also been nine draws.
The last time the two sides met in SE7, they shared a 1-1 draw in January 2012. Lenell John-Lewis put the Shakers in front but Dale Stephens secured a point for the Addicks by netting a last-gasp equaliser.
Charlton Manager Karl Robinson: “We are going to make two or three changes. We’ve got one or two players that have played a lot of football and are looking a bit tired.
“We will make those changes that we feel are right to help us get the result. There are a couple that deserve a chance too.
“I need to know exactly what is here and if you keep doing what you have always done then you will keep getting what you have always got. It’s a case of finding a way and integrating a system that works for us.”
Bury Manager Lee Clark: “When you lose at home and you have another home game coming up then you’ll want to put it right, so we are wary of that.
“Charlton have got a very, very good Manager who I have got a lot of respect for. We know each other well and they have got some very good players. We know it is going to be tough and I’m sure Karl is of the same opinion of us.”
Trevor Kettle will take charge of Saturday’s match at The Valley.
So far this season, he has officiated 25 games where he has brandished 115 yellow cards and five reds. He has handed out three red cards in his last three games.
He last took charge of Charlton for our 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest in January 2016.
He will be supported by linesmen Rob Smith and Christopher Wade and fourth official Ravel Cheosiaua.
Supporters can follow all the build-up to the game on Charlton's official Instagram account, official Twitter account, Facebook page official Snapchat account and on the CAFC Wall.
Live commentary of the clash will be available on the club’s Matchday Live service on CAFC PlayerHD.
Supporters can follow live updates and have your say by using the CAFC Wall. An in-depth match report and full match reaction will be available shortly after the final whistle, while supporters can watch extended, multi-angle highlights on CAFC PlayerHD.
All seats have been reduced to just £5 for Saturday’s match at The Valley, in what will be our second Football For A Fiver fixture of the season.
Tickets for the match can be purchased in person from the Valley Superstore, from the Ticket Office on the night of the game, by calling 03330 14 44 44 or by going online. Please click here to visit our ticketing website.
The Charlton Club Crossbar Challenge prize fund will stand at £6,500 on Saturday.
The half-time competition, which launched earlier this season, began with a £500 jackpot and rolls over by an additional £500 every time it is not hit.
The challenge is open to jackpot ticket purchasers* and all members of Valley Gold – the sponsors of the event – who will automatically be entered into the draw. They are tasked with striking the crossbar from the edge of the D (22 yards out) in just one shot.
Please click here for more informationon the Crossbar Challenge